We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Zampino a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
It all started when I was two-years old. My Mom put me in Tae Kwon Do. They usually don’t start kids until their three, but because I was big for my age and could talk pretty well, they let me start early. My Masters taught me about “Mind Focus” and “Body Focus” on top of being physically strong. They taught me about respect and to look people in the eye. They really taught me to face my fears, speak up and do what’s right. I’ll always remember the sign that was up in my Do-Jang, “Be Humble and Kind” and that’s what I try to be in everything I do.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
After getting my Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, I began dancing, mostly because I did it a lot in inappropriate places, like when I was playing Baseball, standing in the outfield dancing, instead of catching balls. I also discovered Michael Jackson when I was 8 years old and fell in love with his way of dancing. I started copying him and I taught myself “the Moonwalk” and imitated his head and shoulder pops. That’s when my parents decided that maybe dancing was my calling. They were right and I’ve been dancing ever since. I’ve been training and competing in Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Tap for almost 5 years now and I love it!
Just this past November I decided to try something new where I could use my dancing and try my acting and singing skills out. I was cast in 5Star Theatricals, “Oliver!” as part of the Youth Ensemble at the Fred Cavali Theatre in Thousand Oaks, Ca. It was my first professional show and I beyond loved it! I was never nervous and everything just felt so natural, like it was where I was meant to be! So much so that I have given up dancing competitively and just gone back to training so that I am able to audition for more shows in the future.
I’m also a HUGE Philadelphia 76ers Basketball fan! I am such a fan that I end up boring most of my friends, because, being from LA, they’re Lakers or Clippers fans, so I decided to start my own podcast! I even got my Dad, Michael (He’s the 3rd, I’m the 4th!) to join me. We call it “Mikes on Mic!”
We talk about the players, the trades, and review the games. My Dad was born and raised in Philadelphia, so technically, it’s in my blood. If you like Basketball, especially if you like the 76ers, I hope you’ll check it out. You can find it on Spotify and iHeart Radio!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think first off, my time in Tae Kwon Do at such a young age really helped me to have a strong work ethic. It also taught me perseverance and helped me develop body coordination that really prepared me for being a dancer. Being any kind of performer takes hard work, and the confidence to keep going even when it’s hard. You also have to be willing to put yourself out there and take risks. Every time I perform I put my whole self out there and take a risk…”Will they like me?” “Will I do well?” But I leave it on stage when I’m done knowing I did my best. So I think having a strong work ethic, perserverence, and confidence are really important qualities to have on any journey. Don’t let what other people think or way keep you from doing what you want, or feels right to you. Be YOU!
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents have encouraged me to always set a good example for others and make good choices. I try to carry that with me in everything I do. They also let me take chances and try things, even if I’m not completely sure I’ll accomplish what I want, they encourage me to try. That’s what I’m doing with starting a podcast. They always tell me, “What’s the worst that can happen?” “You’ll never know if you don’t try.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @michael_zampino
Image Credits
Tamara Tihanyi 5Star Theatricals Krista Zampino
